A Sweet Memory
I first made these patties with my grandson, Leo. He was seven. His little hands rolled the dough so carefully. We laughed when he got powdered sugar on his nose.
He was so proud of his work. That memory is sweeter than the candy. It reminds me that cooking is about more than food. It is about making moments. Do you have a favorite cooking memory with someone?
Why We Make Them Ourselves
Store-bought treats are fine. But a homemade gift is special. You put your time and care into it. That is a gift of love.
When you give these, you give a piece of your kitchen. You give a piece of your heart. That is why this matters. It turns simple ingredients into a feeling.
The Magic of the Dough
Let’s talk about that peppermint dough. It starts very sticky. You add the sugar bit by bit. Keep mixing with your hands.
Suddenly, it becomes smooth and soft. It stops sticking to your fingers. That is your sign it is ready. Fun fact: The peppermint oil in the extract is what gives that cool, tingly taste. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
A Little Patience, Please
The two-hour wait is important. It lets the patties dry. This makes them firm for dipping. I know, waiting is hard!
But this step matters. A firm patty won’t fall apart in the chocolate. Use this time to clean up. Or just sit and enjoy the quiet. What is your least favorite part of waiting when you cook?
The Chocolate Dip
Melting chocolate is simple. Use low heat and stir a lot. The shortening helps it stay shiny and smooth.
My first time, I used a spoon to dip. The patty slid right off! A fork is much better. Tap off the extra chocolate. It makes a nice, thin coat. Do you like dark chocolate or milk chocolate more for dipping?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetened condensed milk | 3/4 cup | |
| Peppermint extract | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 4 cups | Use certified gluten-free if needed |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 3 cups | Use certified gluten-free if needed |
| Shortening | 2 teaspoons | Use certified gluten-free if needed |
Instructions
Step 1: First, line a baking sheet with waxed paper. This keeps our patties from sticking later. I always tear off a big piece. It makes the whole process so much easier.
Step 2: Now, let’s make the peppermint dough. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a big bowl. Add the peppermint extract and give it a stir. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time. You’ll get a stiff dough you can hold. (A stiff dough means clean hands and perfect shapes!)
Step 3: Time to shape our treats. Roll the dough into one-inch balls. Place them on your waxed paper. Gently press each ball flat with your fingers. Let them dry for two hours, flipping once. This helps the chocolate stick later. What’s your favorite holiday treat to make? Share below!
Step 4: While they dry, melt the chocolate coating. Use a saucepan on very low heat. Add chocolate chips and shortening. Stir until it’s all smooth and shiny. Then take it off the heat right away. I still laugh at that time I walked away and it burned.
Step 5: Let’s dip! Use a fork to dunk each peppermint center. Tap the fork to let extra chocolate drip off. Place each coated patty back on the paper. When the tray is full, pop it in the fridge. The chocolate will set firm and perfect.
Creative Twists
You can make these patties your own. It’s so much fun to play. Try a different extract instead of peppermint. Almond or orange are lovely. You could also roll the balls in crushed candy cane before dipping. It adds a festive crunch. For a real surprise, hide a tiny, frozen raspberry inside each dough ball. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These patties shine on a holiday plate. Pile them high on a vintage cake stand. You could also serve them with fresh orange slices. The bright citrus is a nice match. For a drink, adults might enjoy a creamy peppermint schnapps hot chocolate. For everyone, a cold glass of milk is the classic choice. It cuts the sweetness just right. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Wonderland Fresh
These patties keep their magic for weeks. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. They stay perfect for up to a month. You can also freeze them for three months. Just layer them between wax paper in a freezer bag.
I love making a double batch. It saves so much time later. I remember my first big batch. I gave tins to all my neighbors. Their smiles were the best gift. Batch cooking lets you share joy easily.
No reheating is needed. Just let them sit out for five minutes. This takes the chill off the chocolate. Storing food well means less waste. It also means a sweet treat is always ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your dough too sticky? Just add a bit more sugar. Mix it in slowly until it feels right. I once added the sugar too fast. My dough was a sticky mess. Patience makes perfect dough.
Is your chocolate coating too thick? Add a tiny bit more shortening. This makes it smooth and easy to dip. Is the chocolate seizing or clumping? Your heat was likely too high. Always melt chocolate on low heat.
Fixing small problems builds your kitchen confidence. It also makes your treats taste and look better. Getting the chocolate right matters. It gives that lovely, crisp snap. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Q: Are these really gluten-free? A: Yes, if you check your labels. Use certified gluten-free sugar and chocolate.
Q: Can I make them ahead? A: Absolutely! Make the patties a day before dipping. This spreads out the fun.
Q: What if I don’t have shortening? A: You can use coconut oil instead. It works just the same for melting chocolate.
Q: Can I make a smaller batch? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It’s simple math for smaller treats.
Q: Any fun extra tips? A: Try crushing a candy cane on top before the chocolate sets. Fun fact: Peppermint is a natural breath freshener! Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these sweet patties. The kitchen is my favorite place for making memories. I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me about your family’s reaction.
Your stories are my favorite thing to read. Sharing recipes connects us all. Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a comment below and tell me all about it.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Peppermint Patty Christmas Wonderland
Description
Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
- Create the Peppermint Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Gradually incorporate the confectioners’ sugar, adding it a small amount at a time. Continue mixing until a stiff, moldable dough forms and no longer adheres to your hands.
- Shape the Patties: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared waxed paper. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to form round patties. Allow the patties to dry at room temperature for approximately two hours, turning them once halfway through the drying period.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Dip the Peppermint Patties: Using a fork, submerge each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate. Tap the fork lightly on the side of the pan to remove excess chocolate. Transfer the coated patties back onto the waxed paper.
- Chill and Set: Place the tray of dipped patties into the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate has fully set. Once firm, the patties are ready to serve or store.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free with standard precautions: Confirm that the confectioners’ sugar, chocolate chips, and shortening are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur in manufacturing. Most sweetened condensed milk brands are gluten-free, though checking the label is recommended. When prepared with verified gluten-free ingredients, these Peppermint Patties are fully suitable for a gluten-free diet.